Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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351. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment whether he will commit to expanding and extending basic income for the arts in Budget 2026, in light of the publication of the two-year report which has confirmed previous findings around the sustained positive impact on recipients’ lives, sectoral retention, and time committed to artistic practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49975/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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352. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment whether he has engaged with the Department of Social Protection on barriers to artists in receipt of disability allowance participating in the basic income for the arts scheme; the means by which this may be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49976/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 352 together.

The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why I announced an extension of six months to February 2026 allow for further assessment of the pilot data and to engage in stakeholder consultation to provide the evidence base for Government to make decisions on the next steps.

I have begun to undertake consultations. This has included the convening of a Consultative Committee which draws from across government including the Department of Social Protection and online public consultation closed on 5 September with over 17,000 submissions received, 90% of which were in favour of BIA being continued. A sectoral stakeholder forum also took place on 10 September.

The pilot is underpinned by a comprehensive research programme. I recently published a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme which found that BIA recipients compared to those not in receipt of the BIA:

- are 6 percentage points more likely to have worked in the arts

- spend on average 11 weekly hours more on their creative practice

- are 14 percentage points more likely to have completed new works in the previous six months

- invest more financially in their practice

- are better able to afford basic necessities and have higher life satisfaction

- are 15 percentage points less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed

- are 16 percentage points less likely to have experienced anxiety

A cost-benefit analysis paper has also just been published. It compares the benefits and costs arising from the BIA in order to determine its net value. It shows that the BIA produced over €100m in social benefits and for every €1 invested in the pilot society received a return of €1.39.

No decisions on a successor scheme have yet been made. A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot, and I intend to bring forward proposals for a permanent intervention in the context of Budget 2026 discussions, based on the ongoing evidence arising from the research programme and stakeholder engagement.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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353. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider making permanent the basic income for the arts pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50004/25]